by S. L. Scott
It’s about the kiss.
This one right here. It’s felt deep through my body and reaches my toes. This man. This. Man. He kisses me with such desire I realize all others don’t matter. This kiss is the first kiss of our forever.
20
Jason
I’m fired up, but I keep the hurricane of anger hidden from her. I have to. Delilah deserves peace after all she’s been through. I sit back in the chair in her room, my leg bouncing from the unsettled emotions twisting inside my gut. I need to move, to fuck, to drink, to beat something up . . . but I’m home.
I have to temper how I’ve been trained to react. I don’t want people here to see the cold mercenary I’ve become. She returns and spins. “What do you think?”
“I like that one.”
Her hands fly to her hips. “You’ve said that about the last two dresses.”
“I like them all. You look good in everything.”
Coming over to me, she leans down to my eye level, and her hand presses on my knee to steady it. “Jason, it’s going to be okay. I’m okay. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“I worry. That’s not something I can change. It’s not something I want to change.”
She stands up with a sigh before turning on the heel of her boots and heading for the door. “I’ll wear this one. Let’s go. We both need a night out.”
Although I can see the worry in her eyes when she passes by, maybe she needs me to let it go. I won’t, but I’ll put on a happy face for her tonight. “Yes, ma’am.”
It doesn’t take long to reach Red River. The ride is mostly quiet. We know we’re making a statement when we walk in there together. People will talk to our faces and then behind our backs. Word will get out, but it needs to. I want this night out with my girl, but I also want to tempt the snake out of his hole. Cole Cutler needs to know I’m not going anywhere, and he better not come anywhere near Delilah.
I help her out of the truck and hold her hand protectively in mine as we walk down the sidewalk to the busy bar. Just before we reach the doors, she pulls me to a stop. “Hey?”
Turning back, I see her eyes are gloriously bright blue with the setting sun shining on them. Wisps of her blond hair blow in the light breeze. The pink of her lips draws my gaze, and I bend to kiss her. She never says anything, but between her grip on my arm and the way she snuggles into me, I hear her unspoken words in every heartbeat. Stroking her hair down her back, I whisper the words she reassured me with earlier, “It will be okay.”
I kiss her temple before she pulls away and tugs me toward the door. “Come on, cowboy. Let’s give ’em something to talk about.”
Cocking an eyebrow, I say, “You’re on.”
She laughs. “I cannot wait to show you off.”
I take hold of the door and let her pass in front of me. “I’m more than a pretty face,” I tease, not so dumb to the fact that women find me attractive. There’s only one woman I’m drawn to, and I’m feeling fucking fantastic that I get to show her off as well tonight.
“You’re right,” she replies, tapping my chest. “You have a great ass too, and arms. Oh, and thank you for letting me pay homage to all eight of those ab muscles last night.”
I slip my hand under her hair and rub the back of her neck. “I let you pay homage to more than my ab muscles. Any chance for a repeat performance?”
“A very good chance.”
Guess getting caught in our own world is something we do more than just out on the farm. Patsy Cline is crooning from the jukebox in the back, but other than that, the place has gone quiet. Even the pinball machine has stopped dinging. I scan the area, always aware.
Five booths.
Twenty-one people.
Ten barstools.
Eight taken.
I need to stop doing this. It’s a bad habit that needs to be broken. I’m safe. No one’s going to get me here. The past is in the past. It’s time I live in the present.
It’s easy to get caught up in the stares and dropped jaws, to walk out of here like we don’t belong or that we can stop the gossip before it begins. But I don’t want to. We walk to a tall table in the center of the bar, and I pull out her chair. She whispers, “They’re not talking at all. What do we do?”
She sits down with a big grin on her face. “Give ’em a hot minute to get used to us again and the chatter will begin.”
The bar returns to life like we never walked in, conversations continuing with only a few sideways stares. McGilley calls, “Good to see, Mrs. Cut—Ms. Noelle. It’s been a while.”
“Sure has, Mr. McGilley.”
“First drink is on me. What are you having?”
I laugh, reaching across the table with my palm up. When she slips her hand in mine, I say, “I got her covered. Thanks, though.”
Delilah blushes for me, but then says, “Two bottles of your best.”
Sliding off the stool, I tap the table. “Be right back.”
McGilley sets the bottles down and eyes Delilah over my shoulder. “She never comes in anymore.”
“Maybe things are changing.”
“For the better, I’d say.”
The lines deepen around his eyes and the smile is more sympathy than happiness. Like any good bartender, he prefers to listen over talking, but something’s on his chest that he needs to get off, so I stay. “Say what’s on your mind.”
When he stretches his hands wide before me, you’d think he was working a farm instead of a tap by his calloused hands. “If you ever get the chance, tell her we’re sorry.”
I wasn’t expecting that, but it’s felt deep within me because I understand on some level. On another, though, this town stood by and witnessed it. “You should tell her yourself.”
He nods. “Beers are still on me tonight.”
I hold one up. “Thanks.”
When I turn around, Billy’s pulled a chair up like he intends to stay. He flicks the bill of his cap and grins. “What’s up?”
Setting the beers down, I reply, “Night out is all.”
“Cheers to that.”
We toast and then drink. “Good week?” I ask him.
“Got caught up in an auction for a calf midweek, and everything went to shit after that. Been meaning to mention the county fair is coming up in a few weeks.”
Delilah says, “Wow, I haven’t been in years. I want to go.” With her chair closer to mine, she rubs my leg under the table. “Maybe you can win me a giant bear or something I can cuddle with.”
“I thought I was your cuddle bear?” What the fuck did I just ask? Cuddle bear? Billy looks disgusted, so I’m quick to add, “God, forget I ever said that. That is seriously chop your balls off talk.”
“I thought it was cute,” she says through her laughter. “Cuddle bear.”
“No. We’re not doing that. That name is not happening.” I down my beer. “McGilley, another round please.”
Billy finishes his beer, and then says, “It’s good to know that even the great Jason Koster has a soft side.”
“No,” I say, “it’s not great to know. Nobody needs to know that.”
Delilah’s still laughing. “He doesn’t, Billy. He’s hard all over. Trust me.”
Billy stands. “This conversation has gone south fast, and I don’t need to hear it. I think there’s a lonely girl over there looking for company.”
Shoving his shoulder, I follow his gaze. “She’s staring straight at you, so I think she found her next victim.” He walks off just as Sabrina Smith shows up with a straight face and an ax to grind. “Well, if it isn’t Miss Freeland County herself. What brings you out, Delilah?”
“Sabrina,” she replies, giving her the courtesy of acknowledgment but not much else. It’s entertaining to watch. Anyway, we both know Sabrina came over on a mission. Sabrina has always been fairly harmless, but she’s bold enough to get on your nerves fast. It’s almost impressive how quick on the draw she is tonight. We just have to wait until she’s bored with us. Lookin
g around the bar, I wait until her scrutinizing glare lands back on me. “No hello, Jason?”
“Hello.”
“After all we shared, too.”
She loves to tell lies about us hooking up. It never happened, but years after high school, she still holds on to them like they’ll turn into reality if she continues dragging it out. Delilah shifts, causing me to give her the attention she deserves. I don’t want her uncomfortable, so I reply, “Nothing ever happened between us, Sabrina. Your memory seems as foggy as ever.”
“It did, too. You’re just choosing to hide the truth—”
“Sharing a microscope in biology our sophomore year doesn’t count as intimacy. It was an assigned partner project. I had no choice.”
She rubs Delilah’s shoulder with a satisfied smile on her face. “See? He remembers. Anywho, where’s that handsome husband of yours, Delilah?”
I’m not having this insanity ruin my night out with Delilah. Whispering, I warn her, “This town may let you pull this bullshit with them, but you won’t with us. I’ll let you walk away without embarrassing you in front of everyone, but this is your only warning. I want you to stay away from Delilah and from me. You see us coming, you cross the fucking street. Do you understand, Sabrina?”
Her mouth was gawking open by the word “bullshit,” so I know I got her attention. “Well,” she starts, raising her chin in stubborn defiance and fluffing her hair. “A microscope is the only thing I ever intend to share with you, Jason Koster. Your meanness is noted.” She scoffs as she walks back to her booth and the poor sucker stuck with her for the night.
I’m still shaking my head in annoyance when Delilah says, “I’ve noted a few things about you myself.”
The beers arrive right on time. I down some of the cold lager, and ask, “And what might those be?”
Leaning over the table, she looks to her left and then to her right before returning her gaze to me. “The impressive size of your—”
“Delilah.” It’s not the name that has her tensing. It’s the fucker saying it. I see how her shoulders cave forward and that chin that was held high lowers.
My heart starts pumping against my chest, my hands fisting. I stand, turning and come face-to-face with my ex-friend. “Turn around and walk away, Cutler.”
“Me, walk away? That’s my fucking wife.”
The word cuts deep, but I’ll never bleed for him. Delilah stands behind me with her hand on my back. “Ignore him, Jason.”
Cower? For him? No fucking way. I owned this town once, and I will again if it means putting him in his fucking place. Taking a step closer, I bump my shoulder against Cole’s, and I say, “Don’t you ever fucking call her that again. And if I see you within ten miles of that farm, or my girl, I will fucking end you.”
With our eyes locked on each other, we remain in an unwavering silent standoff. McGilley finally yells, “Break it up, boys, or hit the streets.”
Cutler ignores the bartender. “You need to check yourself, Koster. That woman—”
“She’s not that woman. She’s her own woman. She’s whoever she fucking wants to be.” And goddamn do I hope she chooses me.
My words seem to cause him to choke, and that’s when I’m unfortunate enough to get a whiff of his breath, which is alcohol laden. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
I’m shoved but don’t budge, and I’m definitely not taking the time to explain things. “I suggest you go back to wherever you came from and don’t come back over here.”
“You heard him, Cole. Back off.” Delilah wraps her hand around my forearm. “Jason, let’s leave.”
That’s when I see it. Not her, but the look he gives her, the one that comes loaded with threats he intends to carry out—hate darkening his pupils as his eyes narrow—latched onto her. “Leave?” His shoulder punches forward as he grits. “Together? What’d I tell you about him?”
What he told her? He’s so lucky I don’t level him right the fuck now. I step in front of him and give my last warning. “Don’t look at her. Don’t talk to her. Ever. Again.”
Billy comes over and tries to pull Delilah to safety, but her hold on my arm tightens. “Jason,” she pleads as she comes around me. Her fear has disappeared as she faces Cole and says, “You and I are done. You need to leave us alone.”
He reaches to touch her, but I knock his hand away. Cutler shifts and then faces me. “You got a death wish, Koster? Cuz I’m happy to fulfill it.”
“You’re drunk. Go home.”
“Fu—”
“Hey. Hey,” Billy cuts between us. “C’mon, guys.” Looking at Cole, he says, “Stop causing trouble where there is none.”
“He needs to stay away from us,” I say.
“You do realize I own half that farmhouse you’re fucking my wife in?” He laughs, but it’s more maniacal than humorous.
Speaking of death wishes, he’s close to making his own wish come true. “Ex. You seem to be forgetting that important detail.”
Cole swings, but Billy pushes him back on his ass. “Time for us to go,” Delilah says, taking my hand.
Before we leave, I add, “Put it on my tab, McGilley.”
“Sure thing, Jason,” McGilley replies.
Before the door closes behind us, Cole yells, “You’re my wife, Delilah. A piece of paper doesn’t define us.”
Outside, I glance down the sidewalk and then at her. “Are you okay?”
“I want to go home.”
I wrap my warmth around her, hoping to ease the fear that’s causing her hand to shake. I don’t blame her for being shaken. I thought I was about to come to blows with Cutler, and I was willing to because it’s clear he’s gotten into her head again. And she put up with that asshole for how long? “Okay.”
While walking back to the truck, I scan the area. Everything looks normal, except the car parked next to my truck.
Instantly recognizing it, that car stands out in this town.
Shit.
21
Jason
Up ahead, leaning against the passenger door is someone I never thought I’d see again. When I stop walking, Delilah asks, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I lower my voice so only she can hear me. “Will you wait in the truck for me?”
“You’re scaring me, Jason.”
My gaze slides to her. “I don’t mean to. Everything’s fine, but I need a few minutes, okay?”
“Okay.” She walks ahead, staring at the man as she passes. When she looks back over her shoulder, I catch her eyes and give a smile I hope reassures her. As soon as Delilah is tucked safely inside the truck, I cover the last few steps. I always expected my crimes to come back to haunt me. I just didn’t see them coming back tonight. Crossing my arms, I ask, “What brings you to town?”
Cruise, an old ally, isn’t uptight, but he seems particularly at ease tonight. He comes over and offers his hand. “You left in a hurry.”
Happily, I shake it. “You been missing me?”
“Ha.” He smiles and steps back to give me space, always a respectful friend. “Kind of.”
Chuckling, I drop my guard. “Yeah, I get it. I’m a likeable guy. I was underappreciated in the Kingwood world.”
That makes him laugh. “Probably so, but it was easier not to trust than be stabbed in the back.”
“Understandable.” I glance at Delilah, who’s watching us through the window. I give her a nod to put her worries at ease. After my confessions, I don’t think she’s feeling as comfortable as we are about this encounter. “Is this a social visit?”
“Not really. Got some time?”
I can trust him, so I tell him to follow me to the farm. When I hop into the cab of the truck, Delilah asks, “Who is that?”
“An old friend.” I reverse the truck and put it into drive.
“Who is he, though? Why is he showing up here at almost nine o’clock at night looking for you? Please don’t lie to me.”
“I don’t lie to you, Delilah. I tol
d you more than I should already.” Cruise is behind me as we head out of town. “We used to work together.”
She gasps an octave too high for the small space of this cab. “Killing people?”
Resting my hand on the bare skin of her thigh, I give her a gentle squeeze. “I don’t think he’s killed anyone. You can ask him when we get to the farmhouse.”
“He’s coming home with us?”
I glance between her and the road. “He’s one of the good guys, Delilah. You don’t need to worry about him.”
“Are you one of the good guys?”
“Depends who you ask.” I wink at her.
That gets me a punch to the arm and has me laughing. “I’m asking you, Jason.”
“Yes, I am. Why are you so serious?”
She rolls her eyes and sits back. “How are good and bad defined in your world?”
Man, she’s laser-focused on this. “The same as in your world but with bloodshed.”
She turns away and looks out over the dark fields dotted with the occasional farmhouse. “That’s dark.”
I grip the steering wheel, tempted to turn on some music and not have this conversation. Avoidance isn’t an option for us anymore. “That’s why I came home.”
“Why are you home? You didn’t come back for me. You thought I was still married.”
“I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I missed my mom.” Checking my rearview mirror, I mumble, “I missed you.”
The warmth of her hand penetrates the cotton sleeve of my shirt when she reaches over. “I shouldn’t have, but I missed you, too. Jason?”
I glance over. “Yeah?”
Her fine features are barely visible in the dark, but I see her eyes on mine. “I have to tell you something.”
“What is it? I want to know everything about you.”
She laughs. “You make me sound so interesting when I’m the same as I always was, stuck in the same town where you left me.”
“I hate that you think I left you on purpose. I left dejected, but guess what?”
